Bike the Otago Rail Trail

South Island: Christchurch/Clyde to Christchurch/Dunedin

5 days

 

 

This biking tour explores the remote and picturesque Central Otago area on the 150km recreational Rail Trail. The rail trail follows the former Otago Central Branch railway line from Middlemarch to Clyde, completed at the turn of the 20th century, which once provided a vital link between New Zealand's largest city (Dunedin) and the country's major goldfields. As well as biking the rail trail and enjoying the picturesque scenery is this amazing part of the country, you'll also explore the historic gold mining towns of St Bathan's and Macrea's Flat, try your hand at the ancient sport of curling in Naseby, visit Hayes Engineering Works, and enjoy a tour of one of the district's oldest high country farms - guided by the 5th generation locals. You'll meet the people as we cycle through each town, learn about the rich history of the area, and more than likely fall in love with 'central'. To top it all off, there is the option of completing your journey on the stunning Taieri Gorge Train that runs from the end of the rail trail, Middlemarch, to Dunedin.

This is THE best tour of the Otago Rail Trail if you want a complete experience of the region, and not just the rail trail.

See the complete itinerary below...

 

Day 1 Christchurch - Clyde

We depart Christchurch at 8:30am for the drive south via the inland route through Mackenzie Country to Central Otago, stopping for lunch at a beautiful rural cafe. Alternatively there is the option of meeting the tour in Clyde in the afternoon. In the late afternoon get used to your bike and the terrain with a short cycle ride along the lovely Clutha River. We stay in the charming historic precinct of Clyde in the beautifully restored Dunstan House - an historic hotel, and eat out at a local restaurant. (L)

 

Day 2 Clyde - Lauder

Begin the Otago Central Rail Trail, biking from Clyde to Lauder (43km). Highlights of today's cycle ride include the wooden trestle Muttontown Viaduct, the Old Tucker Hill gold diggings, views of the Dunstan Mountains and Raggedy Range, spotting brown trout in the Manuherikia River, and a side trip to the charming town of Ophir. Our accommodation tonight is at the charming Lauder School B&B. In the afternoon we make a side trip in our bus to the historic gold-mining town of St Bathan's, with a mandatory stop at the Vulcan Hotel! (B/L/D)

 

Day 3 Lauder - Wedderburn

Cycle from Lauder to Wedderburn (34km). Highlights of today's bike ride on the rail trail include the engineering marvel that is the Poolburn Gorge Viaduct and tunnels, and the vast wide open Ida Valley (made famous by the painter Grahame Sydney), the Idaburn dam (famous for its winter curling), a visit to Hayes Engineering Works, and the wee town of Wedderburn at the top of the rail trail. Relax and enjoy the views from the porch of our lovely cottages nestled under the Hawkdun Range at our accommodation at The Lodge & Cottages Wedderburn. In the afternoon we make a side trip in our bus to the town of Naseby where you can opt to try your hand at the ancient sport of curling on the new indoor purpose built ice facility. Eat out at the legendary Wedderburn Tavern. (B/L/D)

 

Day 4 Wedderburn - Hyde

Bike from Wedderburn to Hyde (46km). Before we begin today's biking, we're treated to a guided tour of the Duncan family's 4,500 acre high country station. The Duncans are 5th generation farmers who farm a land that is often either plagued by drought or covered in snow. What they have achieved over the years is a great feat which they are eager to share with us. This is one of the highlights of the trip, and will hold a great interest for rural and city bikers alike. After morning tea at the homestead, it's back on the saddle. Highlights of today's cycle ride include crossing the Maniototo Plains, visiting the rural art deco town of Ranfurly, following the Taieri River as it snakes around the Rock and Pillar Range, crossing the unaltered stone bridge over Cap Burn, the 32m high Price's Creek Viaduct and 152m long tunnel. Our accommodation this evening is at the Hyde School. In the afternoon we may, depending on weather and visibility, have time to visit the Macraes gold mine, atop the Taieri Ridge. We stay the night in Hyde township and enjoy a celebratory meal at the adorable Hyde School restaurant. (B/L/D)

 

Day 5 Hyde - Christchurch/Dunedin

Bike from Hyde to Middlemarch (27km - all downhill!). Highlights of the final days ride include views of the Rock and Pillar and Taieri Ranges, the Hyde Railway Disaster memorial, and dropping down into the Strath Taieri Plain. In the afternoon we make our way back to Christchurch, arriving at around 7pm. Alternatively, opt to end your journey in Dunedin in true style by taking the historic Taieri Gorge Railway to Dunedin. (B/L)

 

Included in the tour package:

All prices are in New Zealand dollars and include New Zealand Goods & Services Tax of 12.5%. The fare includes just about everything including: 4 nights accommodation; 3 evening meals, 5 lunches, 4 breakfasts and plenty of healthy snacks in between (as indicated on the itinerary by B/L/D); bus side trips to St Bathan's, Naseby and Macreas; a guided farm tour at Wedderburn; a friendly guide; all transport and vehicle support; and cycle repair support.

Not included in the tour price is one evening meal where we eat out at a local restaurant; wine and beer; optional bike hire ($170); optional curling ($25 approx); and the optional Taieri Gorge train to Dunedin ($61).